Skiing claims life of a 17-year-old German in Canada

Skiing claims life of a 17-year-old German in Canada

On Wednesday, a German teenager lost his life in a Calgary hospital, one day after being seriously wounded during a downhill training run in Lake Louise, Canada.

The death of 17-year-old ski racer Max Burkhart was confirmed by Alpine Canada which is the national governing body of Canadian skiing and the group that sanctioned the North American Cup (Nor-Am) race.

"Alpine Canada and Alberta Alpine are devastated about this tragic loss of life and sends its deepest condolences to his family and teammates," Alpine Canada said in a news release.

"This is very tragic. No words. Thoughts are with his family. RIP Max," tweeted former Canadian World Cup team ski coach Max Gartner on Wednesday.